Raphinha injury sparks Barcelona fears ahead of Atletico clash

The Brazilian was substituted during the game in what initially appeared precautionary. However, more than 12 hours on, there has been no official update, and concern inside the club has continued to grow.

Reports in Spain indicate the injury involves his hamstring - the same area that kept him sidelined for two months earlier this season. That history has only deepened fears within Hansi Flick's squad at a critical stage of the campaign.

Barcelona are now preparing for the possibility that Raphinha could miss a defining run of fixtures against Atletico Madrid. The two sides are set to meet three times in quick succession - in La Liga on 4 April at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, followed by the Champions League quarter-final first leg on 8 April at Spotify Camp Nou, and the return leg on 14 April in Madrid. His availability for the Clasico against Real Madrid on 10 May also remains in doubt.

Raphinha's absence would be a major setback. His intensity, direct running, and attacking output have made him a key figure in Flick's system. Barcelona's form notably improved earlier in the season when he returned from injury, underlining his importance to the team's balance.

Flick recently highlighted the need for a fully fit squad during decisive periods, saying, "At this stage, every player matters. We need consistency and availability to compete at the highest level."

So far this season, Raphinha has made 20 league appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists - numbers that reflect his influence in the final third.

Barcelona are now awaiting medical results, but with no positive update yet, the club are bracing for a potentially significant absence at the worst possible time.

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